Taiwan protesters demand ‘corrupt’ president resign

THOUSANDS of protesters blocked a central Taipei street and displayed candles in the shape of the Chinese character for “fart” yesterday to demand that Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian step down over suspected corruption.

The crowd gathered on the anniversary of a 2006 demonstration against the president that drew about 50,000 people on day one and lasted more than a month. Yesterday’s protesters said matters had worsened.

“The difference between this year and last is that Mr Chen is more of an insult now,” said demonstrator Crystal Hsu, 50, a Taipei schoolteacher. “He’s worse than a fart.”